The Andrews Labor Government is creating more jobs in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, supporting people to get back to work as part of the Working for Victoria initiative.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today visited Uniting Vic.Tas services in Blackburn where a Working for Victoria participant Emma Reid started in a Family Support role last November.
Ms Reid was an invaluable contributor to the East Burwood Christmas Hamper drive to help vulnerable families and children in need. With significant experience in this challenging but rewarding field, she is keen to continue working while completing her Master of Counselling studies.
Minister Pulford announced more than 100 new jobs across three local councils, including roles in graffiti management, gardening, immunisation services, community outreach and businesses and sporting club support.
The Labor Government's Working for Victoria fund is helping people who have lost their jobs, including as a result of coronavirus, to find paid work that supports the Victorian community. The initiative has created more than 12,000 jobs since it was launched last April.
Whitehorse City Council will help elderly residents and non-English speakers with their digital literacy so they can stay in touch with family and friends and access community services, including local libraries.
Whitehorse Business Support Officer roles will engage and support new and existing traders in retail and industrial precincts to help them activate outdoor dining and trading, apply for grants and plan for a sustainable recovery.
Maroondah City Council will take on new employees to support tree planting, gardening, landscaping and outdoor works including garden bed enhancements, weeding, brush cutting and drainage management.
Banyule City Council will activate its outdoor areas and support local businesses in its activity centres and outdoor dining precincts by beautifying streetscapes through removing graffiti and hiring artists to install new murals. An economic development role will also be established to assist local businesses with recovery plans and deliver training, one-on-one support and "shop local" campaigns.
Whitehorse, Maroondah and Banyule will join 69 other local governments across Victoria which have already received funding. For more information or to register for Working for Victoria, go to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.
As stated by Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
"Working for Victoria supports people into jobs in local communities - Emma's story demonstrates how the benefits of work spread beyond the individual."
"These new council jobs will continue to support local communities and I encourage jobseekers to use the website to see if a suitable role exists for them."
As stated by Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
"We're creating opportunities for people who have lost their job through no fault of their own and providing crucial workers for local councils and community organisations."
As stated by Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer
"Local councils and community bodies know what services and support are needed and it's fantastic that we're able to lend a hand to create these positions."
